What happens after the session?
Within TWO WEEKS after your session you will be notified that your personal online gallery is available displaying 25 or more images. Your gallery will remain on our site for TWO WEEKS. This is when you or family members will be able to order prints and products. Please allow TWO WEEKS for delivery of your prints. Specialty products may take a bit longer.
How old should my baby be when we take pictures?
Newborns are best photographed within the first 5-10 days of life. We want the baby to still be itty bitty and mostly still be sleepy and moldable. They start to wake up to the world after that first week. Contact me two or three weeks before your baby is due and let’s schedule a tentative date for the photoshoot.
During a little one’s first year of life I recommend doing pictures at 4 months (able to push up on tummy & hold up head), 8 months (able to sit up), and 12 months old (able to stand or walk).
What do I need to do to prepare for my newborn photo shoot?
For a photo shoot at your home – Put your newborn baby in just their diaper and a cozy blanket. Feed them and fill their tummy so they’re satisfied. Then try to get them to sleep. Hopefully when it’s time to begin we will have a sleepy, full tummy, almost naked baby ready to take some beautiful pictures (newborn pictures look much sweeter when they’re sleeping….don’t worry though I have some tricks to help).
If you’re coming to my home studio – feel free to bring them to my home and you can take their clothes off here and nurse them before we get started and hopefully they’ll get sleepy.
Can you take pictures of my newborn at the hospital?
Yes, if my schedule allows. I love taking pictures of a brand new precious baby in the hospital during their first days of life. I charge $125 for approximately a 30 minute shoot in your hospital room. Mama can stay in her hospital gown and can stay in her bed. It’s all about documenting the amazing experience of new life and the first days that your little one came into the world. The $125 includes 20-25 high resolution digital images on CD for you to print. The hospital photo shoot is the only session that includes the digital images for printing.
What if my little ones don’t sit perfectly still and smile?
Many moms are a bit stressed as they prepare their families for pictures. Then the actual moment comes and it seems as though everyone is “falling apart”. Don’t stress. Don’t worry. We’re just going to “play and explore” if there are little ones. Please relax and know that no….all will not be perfect, but…we will get some fantastic shots of your children playing and interacting. They may not be the Olan Mills type of shot where everyone is looking perfectly at the camera and smiling just so. But I prefer the ones where everyone is expressing a bit of themselves anyway and I hope you do too! Just remember, if you’re stressed, your children can feel it, so relax and let’s have fun with it.
Where do you take the pictures?
I love taking photos out on location. As far as where? It’s really up to you. Whether it’s the buildings downtown, an interesting looking wall, your home, some orchards, vineyards, or the beautiful foothills it’s sure to be a fun adventure. If you don’t feel like you have any great ideas, then I would love to offer up a few.
For those newborn babies, I have an in home newborn studio available or we can shoot them at your home. Email me.
What should we wear?
For family shoots -
I have some ideas and some pictures to help. Click here and hopefully it will help you.
For expecting moms -
I love being creative outside with an expecting mom. Wear something that reflects you. Wear a fun, colorful dress that shows off your growing belly. More of a jeans kind of gal? Wear a flattering top and your favorite jeans. If you like the exposed belly look, wear a thin top that you can pull up and expose your belly comfortably.
For newborn babies -
Naked! Gotta love that little tiny body. Just swaddle them up in a sweet blanket to keep them cozy. Colorful blankets, little bows or beanies are great accents to have around. I will have a few diaper covers if you’d rather have them keep their diaper on, both knitted and with ruffles.
For older children -
Go for color. Solid colors photograph great. Stripes and plaids are okay but don’t go too busy. If you’re feeling a little bold or funky, go for bright, bold colors. Tutus for little girls are precious and expressive. Add colorful accessories to spice it up: bows, beanies, hats, rain boots, scarves, etc. Pay attention to the weather and keep your child comfortable so that they are happy during the shoot.
How do I place my order?
Email me your order. That’s best! Feel free to ask any questions if you have any.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, check, credit card, or paypal. Make checks payable to Derksen Photography. The session fee is due at the time of your appointment.